Morris Leader

The County College of Morris (CCM) has inaugurated its Veterans Resource Center, a new facility designed to support veterans and their families. The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on December 6, attended by veterans, students, and local dignitaries.

The center, located in Sheffield Hall on the CCM campus, aims to provide veterans with access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, academic guidance, career advice, and counseling services. Additionally, it will serve as a hub for connecting veterans with county, state, and federal resources.

Morris County Commissioner John Krickus stated that the center is the result of extensive collaboration aimed at addressing the needs of veterans. "This center represents years of dialogue, effort, and collaboration to meet the needs of our veterans," he said. He highlighted Morris County's efforts in expanding veteran services including increasing space for the Veterans Services Office and adding another officer.

Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM, emphasized the community input involved in creating the center. "The Center was created with extensive input from community veterans," he remarked. He noted that it would serve both CCM students who are veterans as well as other community members.

The concept for the center emerged after CCM hosted the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall event in July 2022. This event was organized in partnership with VFW Post 7333 under State Senator Anthony Bucco's leadership.

Several notable figures attended the opening ceremony including Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith, County Administrator Deena Leary, Sheriff James Gannon, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Morris County Chamber of Commerce President Meghan Hunscher among others. Representatives from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s office and State Sen. Anthony Bucco were also present.

The Veterans Resource Center had previously held a soft opening attended by Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioner Krickus in November.

Services at the Veteran Resource Center are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., managed by Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer (MSgt ret.), USAF who can be contacted at 973-328-5220 or via email at SEllis-Ulmer@ccm.edu for more information.

For further details about CCM's offerings for veterans visit ccm.edu/admissions/for-veterans.